Sustainability
For us, sustainability is not just a goal, but an obligation that we see as part of our responsibility towards the environment and society. As a company with customers and suppliers worldwide, we recognise the importance of a sustainable value chain and the need to integrate environmentally friendly and social practices into our day-to-day business. In doing so, we are guided by the 17 sustainability goals, which were adopted by the United Nations.
In order to improve the impact of our company on society and the environment, the first step is a reliable, officially recognised measurement.
The internationally established method is based on the three so-called scopes:
Scope 1 includes direct emissions from own sources (e.g. vehicle fleet, heating)
Scope 2 records indirect emissions from purchased energy (e.g. electricity)
Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions along the value chain (e.g. packaging, business trips, supply chains)
The GILDE Group regularly collects data in all three scopes and publishes the results transparently in a presentation.
Sustainability at our site in Bocholt
At our site in Bocholt, we have sustainably reduced and converted our energy consumption in order to reduce CO₂ emissions. In addition to our own photovoltaic system, heating was also an important issue: we were able to drastically reduce heating oil consumption with a wood chip heating system. There are now also charging stations for electric vehicles and we are using electric cars in our company fleet in order to be more climate-friendly when travelling.
Waste reduction is also a central part of our sustainability strategy. We separate and recycle the majority of our waste, conserve resources and avoid waste by offering returns and B-goods in our warehouse sales. In this way, we are actively contributing to a more sustainable future and reducing our ecological footprint.
Working together for a sustainable future
We rely on various initiatives to continuously improve our sustainability. These include our participation in the ÖKOPROFIT programme in the Borken district, which strengthens our environmental performance and saves costs.
We are constantly working to optimise our resource efficiency in terms of energy, water and raw materials. Together with our partners and through innovative solutions, we integrate sustainable practices into our day-to-day work.
As a member of the Alliance for Development and Climate, we are thus making an active contribution to overcoming global challenges and helping to shape a sustainable future - for greater environmental protection, efficiency and competitiveness.
Social responsibility - doing good together
We assume social responsibility and work closely with recognised workshops for people with disabilities. This creates jobs that are tailored to individual abilities and promote personal development.
By carrying out many stages of production, packaging and dispatch in Germany, we focus on short distances and strengthen regional workshops. Products with the „Sozial Aktiv - Gutes Schenken“ label stand for fair conditions and loving craftsmanship.
Meaningful work means appreciation, structure and participation for people with disabilities. Our partnerships create joy on both sides and make an important contribution to greater integration and togetherness.
Sustainable production in our joinery
In our joinery, we produce sustainable, customised wooden displays and shelves that are precisely tailored to the size of our products. We source the wood exclusively from regional partners in order to avoid long transport routes and promote the local economy. The use of certified materials with transparent supply chains that guarantee sustainable origins is particularly important to us. This results in durable and environmentally friendly solutions that not only optimise the use of space, but also represent a conscious alternative to frequently imported shelves. In this way, we make an active contribution to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable resources.
Promoting health and community
We are actively committed to the health and well-being of our workforce, which is made up of equal numbers of men and women. For this reason, we support the regional city run in our home town of Bocholt and also take part in it as a company. This event offers us the opportunity not only to promote our fitness, but also to strengthen team cohesion. Sporting activities offer a valuable balance to work, help to reduce stress and contribute to a positive lifestyle.
We have also introduced an employee card that offers numerous benefits in local shops, including discounts for various sports activities such as gyms, swimming pools and sportswear. In order to ensure good team spirit and promote cohesion within the team, regular company parties are organised. These events provide an opportunity for personal interaction and contribute to a positive corporate culture.
Commitment to a sustainable value chain
For all inbound and outbound transport, we choose logistics service providers who are committed to reducing CO2 emissions. Where possible, we use inland waterway transport to avoid transporting containers individually and work exclusively with partners who actively contribute to climate protection. By utilising the services of our partners, for example, we support climate protection projects.
